Around the League

 Ducked Up

Just when you think Teemu Selanne's career is over, he resigns. Back in 2007, after the Ducks won the cup, (I'm still heartbroken by the way) Teemu "retired", because he accomplished what every hockey player wants to do. The Ducks were still hungover from the cup party, and played very poorly for half the season, until Selanne and Scott Niedermayer both returned to Anaheim. After that season was over, he considered retirement again, but signed for two years with the Ducks. Now, after a disappointing season with Anaheim, I was almost certain that was going to be it. After "ending" his career on top, I thought he'd end it on the bottom. On Monday he signed a one year, $3.25M contract with Disneyland. Joining him could be Paul Kariya, another former Duck who, Selanne passed for the all-time lead in points in Ducks history. Kariya is still a decent player, but has injury problems and is way past his prime. Although the Ducks have had a well managed off-season (stealing Cam Fowler and Emerson Etem in the draft, adding Andy Sutton and Toni Lydman via free agency) one major issue remains unsolved. Bobby Ryan is still a RFA. Number 2 in the Sidney Crosby draft, Ryan broke out in 2008, and won a silver medal at the Olympics with Team USA. Ryan wants 3 years, but the Ducks want longer, so it's possible he could be traded.

 Trade Watch

This brings us to trade talk. I hate saying this, but this whole Ryan situation is reminding me of the Phil Kessel situation last year. A young American RFA sniper is unhappy with what his team is offering, and trade rumors surround him. The weird thing is like Kessel, Ryan could end up being a Leaf. Could Kaberle be in return? I don't know. But there is still a big chance the Ducks will meet Ryan's request.
Another name that is being mentioned is Willie Mitchell. Mitchell would fit in well with the Senators, considering their need for a big physical defenceman. Although I'd love to see Mitchell in red and black next year, Bryan Murray may want to spend his remaining money elsewhere.
Lee Stempniak, who I thought would be a great under the radar signing for some team, is unemployed, but I think would fit in well with Buffalo, who could use some goals. Another good option is if he stayed in Phoenix.
The best goalie available is Antti Niemi, who, ignoring cap issues, is the perfect goalie for the San Jose Sharks. The solid goalie is spectacular when he has to be, but can hold the fort for a team with an arsenal like San Jose. Other options are Philadelphia and Edmonton. Philadelphia because I don't see them winning a cup with Michael  Leighton, and Edmonton because having a young goalie on a team as young as the Oilers would work.

And this is just weird.                                                              
                                                           
After those legendary seasons with Dallas, Mike Modano is a Red Wing. Modano is happy to spend his final year of his career in his home-town, but seeing the highest scoring American of all-time in different colours will be strange. But I guess Modano fits in with all the other elderly players in Detroit's elite retirement residence. The amazing thing is, these guys can still play.
And sticking with the Red Wings and old people, Chris Chelios has retired, at 48 years old. He's joining the Red Wings front office somewhere, but the point is, he's not the oldest player in the NHL anymore. Enjoy your retirement Chris, we all enjoyed your accomplished and incredibly long career.